Lasan, Birmingham

Birmingham is spoilt when it comes to Indian restaurants. From street food to fine dining, we’ve got it covered in this city. But one thing’s for certain, Lasan leads the pack.

Lasan has been an Indian fine dining staple in Brum since 2002 when it was set up by Jabbar Khan and has just revealed a £500k refurb and it looks beautiful.

Based on James Street, just off St Paul’s Square, Lasan has been completely transformed. It’s light, bright, comfortable and seriously luxe. A new bar has been placed at the front of the restaurant, creating a more appealing and buzzy atmosphere for those who just want to pop in for a post work and pre food drink. This is a place to start your evening, as much as finish it and I’m a big fan of this more inviting aesthetic.

The menu has had a significant update too and is concise, carefully crafted and seriously wow, yet still manages to remain accessible and authentic. This is luxe Indian food, with no apologies, I’ve not seen a menu quite like it in Brum, yet.

We start with Pani Puri, which I seem to have a love hate relationship with, from being prompted to eat huge ones when I lived in Mumbai. These are better; smaller and more manageable pockets of chickpea and tamarind to eat in one go. So far, so amazing.

On to the mains and the choice is extensive, exciting and is what Lasan does well. The Hyderabadi Biryani is a showstopper and this coming from someone who tends to skip Biryani when eating out but somehow enjoys it when it’s made for me. The generous portion of tender goat meat is well marinated with good flavour and is buried under layers of fluffy, basmati rice, like a foodies treasure hunt. Although Biryani is a dry dish, this is anything but and doesn’t really need the sweet and creamy pineapple raita that it comes with but is a lovely addition nonetheless. The Biryani is a delicious consistency to scoop up in hot buttery Garlic & Corinader naans (£3.50) and is without a doubt, one of the best Biryanis I’ve eaten. I’m still thinking about it now and berating myself for not finishing it, the portions are that big.

On the side, we make room for Karela Baingan- pickled aubergines that have a chutney style taste and texture, perfect with naan (£6.90), make sure you order these beauties.

Lasan is, as you’d expect, perfection. From the delicious food and attentive service to the extensive knowledge of the menu by its friendly staff. This is a restaurant to relax and have fun in, mid week or at the weekend and what’s not to love about that. I can’t wait to come back for more, I have dessert to try.